Display apparatus for processing multiple applications and method for controlling the same

ABSTRACT

A display device can include a tuner to receive a broadcast signal; a network interface to receive an application; an external device interface; a display module to display a broadcast program, the received application or video data received from the external device interface; and a controller to display the received broadcast program in a first area, receive a request for displaying a list from a remote controller, and display the list in a second area within the first area, the list includes a first item including information identifying a recently accessed application, a second item including information identifying a recently accessed broadcast program, or a third item including information identifying an external device recently connected to the display device or an access path of the external device, and a specific information item including a main screen of a last accessed webpage is included in the list.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/692,283 filed on Aug. 31, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,065 issuedon Sep. 25, 2018), which is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/663,259 filed on Mar. 19, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,762,969issued on Sep. 12, 2017), which is a Continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/288,522 filed on Nov. 3, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No.9,015,758 issued on Apr. 21, 2015), which claims the priority benefitunder 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Patent Application Nos.10-2011-0050631 filed in the Republic of Korea on May 27, 2011 and10-2011-0049995 filed in the Republic of Korea on May 26, 2011, all ofwhich are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the presentapplication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display apparatus or a networkdevice, and more particularly, to a display apparatus for processingmultiple applications and a method for controlling the same. Forexample, the display apparatus corresponds to a network TV, a smart TV,a Hybrid Broadcast Broadband Television (HBBTV), an Internet TV, a webTV, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), etc. and the network devicecorresponds to a Set Top Box (STB).

Discussion of the Related Art

A display apparatus can receive and display broadcast images. Currently,analog broadcasting is being switched (or converted) to digitalbroadcasting. In more detail, digital broadcasting refers to a broadcastservice that transmits digital video and audio signals. As compared toanalog broadcasting, digital broadcasting undergoes less data loss dueto its robustness against external noise. Digital broadcasting is alsoadvantageous for error correction, has high resolution and providesvivid picture screens. Furthermore, unlike analog broadcasting, digitalbroadcasting can provide two-way (or bi-directional) services. Smart TVsare one example of display apparatus and combine the functions of animage display device and a multimedia device.

However, in the related art display apparatus, there are manydifficulties in managing and editing various types of applications. Forexample, a larger number of applications are expected to be stored in amemory of the display apparatus. Therefore, managing these variousapplications is time consuming and cumbersome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a displayapparatus and corresponding method to address the above-noted and otherproblems of the related art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a displayapparatus and corresponding method for efficiently processing multipleapplications.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a displayapparatus and corresponding method that allows applications stored inthe memory of the display apparatus to be quickly managed and easilyedited.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a displayapparatus and corresponding method that includes a user interface thatvaries depending upon the application type.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a displayapparatus and corresponding method for providing a plurality ofapplication editings guide on screen displays (OSDs) respective todiverse remote controller types.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a displayapparatus and corresponding method for easily managing a usage historyof contents (e.g., channels, items, etc.) received through at least oneor more paths.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a displayapparatus and corresponding method for storing a plurality of contentgroups, each corresponding to a different content group type, by usingtwo memory addresses for each content group.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a displayapparatus and corresponding method for providing a user interface foraccessing a content group recently used by the user more quickly.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, thepresent invention provides in one aspect a method of controlling adisplay apparatus and which includes receiving contents including audiodata and video data; displaying the received contents on a display unitof the display apparatus; receiving a request signal for executing anapplication browser and displaying a list of applications stored in amemory associated with the display apparatus, the list of applicationsstored in the memory including an editable application group includingat least one application that can be edited and a non-editableapplication group including at least one application that cannot beedited; generating graphic data representing the applications includedin the editable application group and non-editable application group;and displaying the received video data in a first area of the displayunit and displaying the generated graphic data representing theapplications in a second area within the first area.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a network deviceincluding a receiver configured to receive contents including audio dataand video data; an interface unit connected to a display apparatus; anda controller configured to display the received contents on a displayunit of the display apparatus, to receive a request signal for executingan application browser and displaying a list of applications stored in amemory associated with the display apparatus, the list of applicationsstored in the memory including an editable application group includingat least one application that can be edited and a non-editableapplication group including at least one application that cannot beedited, to generate graphic data representing the applications includedin the editable application group and non-editable application group,and to display the received video data in a first area of the displayunit and display the generated graphic data representing theapplications in a second area within the first area.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description of the present invention areexemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principle of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display apparatus according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a controller shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a table stored in a memory including at least one or moreapplications by different group types according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a display screen prior to executing an application browseraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a display screen after executing an application browseraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an overview of a remote controller controlling the displayapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating internal elements of the remotecontroller shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 includes display screens illustrating a process of changing astatus of the application browser according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 includes display screens illustrating another process of changinga status of the application browser according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 10A to 10C are display screens illustrating processes for editingan application location in a first mode of the application browseraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a display screen illustrating a detailed view of a secondmode of the application browser according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 12A to 12C are display screens illustrating processes for editingan application location in the second mode of the application browseraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 13A to 13C are display screens illustrating processes for deletingeditable applications in the second mode of the application browseraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are display screens illustrating a first group ofnon-editable application groups in the second mode of the applicationbrowser according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are display screens illustrating a second group ofnon-editable application groups in the second mode of the applicationbrowser according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 16A to 16D are display screens illustrating recovering deletedapplications in the application browser according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are display screens illustrating a search functionprovided by the application browser according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 18 is a table illustrating stored metadata of pre-storedapplications according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are display screens illustrating a filtering functionfor each category provided by the application browser according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are display screens illustrating controlling theapplication browser by using a remote controller transmitting IR signalsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 21A to 21C are display screens illustrating editing theapplication browser using a remote controller transmitting IR signalsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 22 to 24 are display screens illustrating returning to a previousscreen from the application browser according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling anapplication browser of the display apparatus according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 26 is an overview illustrating a data format for providing a Recentfunction respective to multiple groups according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 27 is an overview illustrating another data format for providing aRecent function respective to multiple groups according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIGS. 28 and 29 are overviews illustrating yet another data format forproviding a Recent function respective to multiple groups according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a display screen illustrating graphic data where the Recentfunction respective to multiple groups is executed according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 includes display screens illustrating a first process ofexecuting the Recent function respective to multiple groups according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 includes display screens illustrating a second process ofexecuting the Recent function respective to multiple groups according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 includes display screens illustrating a third process ofexecuting the Recent function respective to multiple groups according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 34A to 34D include display screens illustrating a fourth processof executing the Recent function respective to multiple groups accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 35A and 35B include display screens illustrating a fifth processof executing the Recent function respective to multiple groups accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 36A and 36B include display screens illustrating a sixth processof executing the Recent function respective to multiple groups accordingto an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 37 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling a displayapparatus executing the Recent function respective to multiple groupsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in more detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

The display apparatus mentioned in the description of the presentinvention corresponds to, for example, an intelligent display apparatusthat also includes a computer supporting function in addition to thebroadcast program receiving function. Accordingly, because the displayapparatus is devoted to its broadcast program receiving function and isalso supplemented with an internet browsing function, the displayapparatus includes an interface that can be more conveniently used ascompared to a hand-writing type input device, a touch screen or a remotecontroller. Furthermore, the display apparatus may be connected to (ormay access) the internet and a computer using a wired or wirelessconnection, thereby being able to perform email transmission, webbrowsing, internet banking or gaming functions. In order to perform suchvariety of functions, the display apparatus may adopt a standardized OS.

In addition, because a variety of applications may be easily added to ordeleted from the display device within a general purpose OS kernel, thedisplay apparatus described in the description of the present inventioncan perform a wide range of user-friendly functions.

Next, FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display apparatus 100according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1,the display apparatus 100 includes a tuner 110, a demodulator 120, anetwork interface 130, an external device interface 140, a memory 150, acontroller 160, a user interface 170, a display module 180, and aspeaker 190. However, the modules shown in FIG. 1 are merely exemplaryand some of the modules may be added or removed depending uponparticular requirements.

In addition, among radio frequency (RF) signals received through anantenna, the tuner 110 selects an RF signal corresponding to a channelselected by the user or an RF signal corresponding to all pre-storedchannels. The demodulator 120 then receives a digital IF (DIF) signalconverted by the tuner 110 and performs a demodulation operation on thereceived DIF signal.

After performing channel decoding, the demodulator 120 outputs atransport stream (TS) signal. At this point, the TS signal maycorrespond to a signal having a video signal, an audio signal, or a datasignal multiplexed therein. For example, the stream signal maycorrespond to an MPEG-2 transport stream (TS) having a video signal ofthe MPEG-2 standard and an audio signal of the Dolby AC-3 standardmultiplexed therein.

The TS signal extracted by the demodulator 120 is then input to thecontroller 160. Then, after performing demultiplexing and video/audiosignal processing, the controller 160 outputs video data to the displaymodule 180 and outputs audio data to the speaker 190.

Further, the external device interface 140 accesses an external devicesuch as a digital versatile disk (DVD) player, a Blu-ray disk (BD)player, a gaming device, a camera, a camcorder, a computer (i.e.,desktop or laptop computer), etc., via wired and/or wireless connection.Furthermore, the external device interface 140 receives an applicationor an application list stored in a neighboring external device. Then,the external device interface 140 delivers the received application orapplication list to the controller 160 or the memory 150.

For example, in order to access a network via a wired connection, thenetwork interface 130 includes an Ethernet terminal. Also, in order toaccess a network via a wireless connection, communication standards suchas a Wireless LAN (WLAN or Wi-Fi), a Wireless broadband (Wibro), a WorldInteroperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), a High Speed DownlinkPacket Access (HSDPA), may be used. Moreover, among the applications,the network interface 130 selects and receives a wanted applicationthrough the network.

The memory 150 can also store a program for performing signal processingand control operations within the controller 160, and store signalprocessed video, audio, or data signals. Furthermore, the memory 150stores channel information or applications received from the tuner 110,the network interface 130, and the external device interface 140.

Either the user interface 170 receives a control signal from a remotecontroller 195, or the user interface 170 may be designed as a local keyor keypad attached to the display apparatus 100. The remote controller195 will be described in more detail later on with reference to FIGS. 8and 9.

In addition, the controller 160 demultiplexes the data received throughthe tuner 110, the demodulator 120, the network interface 130, and theexternal device interface 140, or the controller 160 processes thedemultiplexed signals so as to generate and output video and/or audiosignals. The controller 160 will be described in more detail withreference to FIG. 2.

Further, the display module 180 respectively converts each of the videosignal, data signal, OSD signal, and so on, processed by the controller160 to R, G, and B signals so as to generate drive signals. For example,the display module 180 may be a PDP, an LCD, an OLED, a flexibledisplay, a 3-dimensional (3D) display, etc. In addition, the speaker 190corresponds to a module for receiving the audio signals processed by thecontroller 160, e.g., stereo signals, 3.1 channel signals, or 5.1channel signals, and outputting the received audio signals.

Next, FIG. 2 is block of the controller 160 shown in FIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 2, the controller 160 includes a demultiplexer 161, an OSDgenerator 162, a video processing unit 163, an audio processor 166, amixer 167, a frame rate converter 168, and a formatter 169.

The demultiplexer 161 demultiplexes the input data (e.g., TS), and thevideo processing unit 163 performs video processing on the demultiplexedvideo signal. Therefore, the video processing unit 163 further includesa decoder 164 and a scaler 165.

The decoder 164 decodes the demultiplexed video signal, and the scaler165 performs scaling so that the display module 180 can output aresolution of the decoded video signal. Meanwhile, the audio processor166 performs signal processing on the demultiplexed audio data so thatthe processed audio signal can be output through the speaker 190.

In addition, the OSD generator 162 generates an OSD signal in accordancewith a user input or by itself. For example, the OSD generator 162generates a signal for displaying diverse information on a displayscreen of the display module 180 in the form of graphic or text basedupon a control signal received from the user interface or automatically.

The mixer 167 mixes the OSD signal generated by the OSD generator 162and the video signal decoded by the video processing unit 163.Therefore, the broadcast data and diverse OSD graphics can be displayedsimultaneously in an overlaying format.

The frame rate converter (FRC) 168 converts a frame rate of the imagethat is being input. For example, a frame rate of 60 Hz is converted toa frame rate of 120 Hz or 240 Hz. When the frame rate of 60 Hz isconverted to the frame rate of 120 Hz, another identical first frame maybe inserted between a first frame and a second frame, or a third frameestimated based upon the first frame and the second frame may beinserted between the first frame and the second frame. When the framerate of 60 Hz is converted to the frame rate of 240 Hz, three identicalframes may be further inserted, or three estimated frames may beinserted. Meanwhile, a frame rate that is input without being separatelyconverted may also be maintained.

In addition, the formatter 169 receives an output signal of the framerate converter 168 and modifies the received output signal to a formatthat can be output from the display module. For example, the formatter169 can output R, G, and B data signals, and such R, G, and B datasignals can be output via low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) ormini-LVDS.

A process of the display apparatus for performing an application browserfunctions will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and2.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tuner 110receives a broadcast program from a broadcasting station. For example,the broadcast program includes audio data and video data. Furthermore,an embodiment of the present invention also includes allowing contentsto be received through the network interface 130 and not through thetuner 110.

The demultiplexer 161 demultiplexes the received audio data and videodata, and the memory 150 stores an editable first application group anda non-editable second application group. The editable first applicationgroup and the non-editable second application group will be described inmore detail later with reference to FIG. 3.

In addition, the user interface 170 receives a command requesting a listof multiple applications stored in the memory 150. For example, thecommand corresponds to a first (or initial) command signal requesting anapplication browser, and the user interface 170 performs communicationwith the remote controller 195. The OSD generator 162 also generatesgraphic data indicating the list of multiple applications.

Further, the mixer 167 mixes the video data of the broadcast program andthe graphic data generated by the OSD generator 162. The controller 160performs control operations so that the mixed video data and graphicdata can be output through the display module 180. The above processwill be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5 or 11.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the userinterface 170 receives a command initiating an Edit mode. At this point,the controller 160 determines whether a selected specific applicationbelongs to the first application group or to the second applicationgroup. Furthermore, when the selected specific application belongs tothe first application group, the controller 160 controls the OSDgenerator 162 so that a first area to which an icon corresponding to thespecific application can be relocated or a second area that can bedeleted can be displayed in a graphic form different from the otherremaining areas. This process will be described in more detail withreference to FIGS. 11 to 15.

Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, when the icon corresponding to the specific application islocated in the second area, the controller 160 removes the specificapplication from the memory 150, and stores an address information,which can be used to download the specific application, in the memory150. The above-described structure will be described in more detail withreference to FIG. 16.

Finally, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention,when the user interface 170 receives a command requesting categorizationof multiple applications stored in the memory 150 based upon theapplication type, the controller 160 accesses the memory 150 andcategorizes the applications in accordance with the application type.For example, the application carries metadata identifying the differentapplication types. Also, the OSD generator 162 generates graphic dataincluding icons corresponding to each application, which is categorizedby the respective application type. This will be described in moredetail with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

Next, FIG. 3 is a table stored in the memory 150 including at least oneor more applications by different group types according to an embodimentof the present invention. According to an embodiment of the presentinvention, in order to enable the user to easily verify and edit thelarge number of applications stored in the memory 150 of the displayapparatus 100, the multiple applications are categorized into twodifferent groups.

In particular, a first group includes non-editable applications, and asecond group includes editable applications. Downloaded applicationsshown in FIG. 3 belong to the above-described second group. Editableapplications refer to all types of applications that can be freelyprocessed by an operation of relocating the position of an applicationwithin the application list and an operation of deleting applications.

System applications shown in FIG. 3 belong to the above-described firstgroup. Non-editable applications refer to all types of applications thatcannot be processed by the operation of relocating the position of anapplication within the application list and the operation of deletingapplications.

More specific examples of the system applications include a “Numberapplication”, a “Recent application”, a “DVR application”, a “WebBrowser application”, and so on. The above-described applicationscorrespond to data that are stored during a manufacturing process stepof a television (TV). When deleting any one of the above-describedapplication, a problem may occur in the essential function of the TV.Therefore, a method of setting-up such applications as non-editable andundeletable applications belongs to the technical scope of the presentinvention.

Meanwhile, the downloaded applications refer to applications that aredownloaded and stored by the user, who has purchased the TV, through adirect access to an Internet website. Further, a premium application maybe set to belong to the first or second group, or be defined as anapplication belonging to a separate third group. For example, thepremium application refers to an undeletable application that can berelocated (re-positioned) within the application list.

Additionally, a method of differently setting diverse features such ascolor, tone, etc. of the corresponding icons and displaying such iconsin order to differentiate each of the downloaded applications, thepremium applications, and the system applications from one another, alsobelongs to an embodiment of the present invention. When designing thepresent invention as described above, the user can easily differentiatethe group of applications (or application group) that can be relocatedand/or deleted from the group of applications (or application group)that cannot be relocated and/or deleted.

Next, FIG. 4 is a display screen prior to executing an applicationbrowser according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 4, the display apparatus 400 displays a general broadcast displayscreen 410. Further, a web browser can be executed by using an indicator411, which changes its position in accordance with the movements of theremote controller 420. FIG. 5 illustrates an application browser beingexecuted, when the user presses a specific key (e.g., a hot key or averification (or OK) key) of the remote controller 420.

In particular, FIG. 5 is a display screen after executing an applicationbrowser according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown,when a command for executing an application browser is received, thedisplay apparatus 500 displays two separate areas. According to anembodiment of the present invention, the application browser function isnewly defined. For example, the application browser function correspondsto an option configured to list graphic data corresponding to each ofthe applications stored in the memory. More particularly, theapplication browser described below has excellent editing and accessingfeatures.

Further, the display apparatus 500 maintains broadcast data of achannel, which is currently being tuned, in a first area 510. Inaddition, graphic data or icons 521, 522, 523, 524, and 525corresponding to each of the applications stored in the memory 150 areoutput in a second area 520. Additionally, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes adding graphic data 526 for implying the presence ofa larger number of applications in addition to the five (5) applicationslisted in the second area 520.

Furthermore, as described in FIG. 3, the system applications 521, 522,and 523 and the downloaded application 524 and 525 are displayed so asto be differentiated from one another. Therefore, the present inventionis advantageous because the user is visually notified not to attempt theediting of a system application.

Moreover, the remote controller 530 is used to select or edit theapplications listed in the above-described second area. An indicator 531corresponding to the remote controller 530 can move in accordance withthe motions of the remote controller 530.

Next, FIG. 6 is a system view illustrating a remote controller 610controlling a display apparatus 600 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. First of all, FIG. 6(a) illustrates an example of apointer 611 corresponding to the remote controller 610 being displayedon the display apparatus 600. Herein, for example, the display apparatus600 includes the elements shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The user may move or rotate the remote controller 610 in an up-and-down(vertical) direction, a left-to-right (horizontal) direction as shown inFIG. 6(b), and a back-and-forth direction as shown in FIG. 6(c). Thepointer 611 displayed on the display apparatus 600 corresponds to themotion of the remote controller 610. As shown in FIG. 6, because thecorresponding pointer 611 moves in accordance with the motion of theremote controller 610 within a 3 dimensional (3D) space, the remotecontroller 610 may also be referred to as a motion remote controller ora space remote controller.

In addition, FIG. 6(b) illustrates an example of when the remotecontroller 610 moves leftwards, the pointer 611 displayed on the displayapparatus 600 also moves leftwards with respect to the motion of theremote controller 610.

Information on the motion of the remote controller 610 detected by asensor of the remote controller 610 is also transmitted to the displayapparatus 600. The display apparatus 600 can also calculate (or compute)coordinates of the pointer 611 from the information on the motion of theremote controller 610. Further, the display apparatus 600 displays thepointer 611 to correspond to the calculated coordinates. Also, thegraphic data of the pointer 611 may designed to have the shape of anarrow or may be designed to have the shape of a cross, for example

FIG. 6(c) illustrates an example of the user moving the remotecontroller 610 further away from the display apparatus 600 whilepressing on a specific button on the remote controller 610. Accordingly,the selected area within the display apparatus 600 corresponding to thepointer 611 can be zoomed-in so as to be displayed in a more enlargedsize. Conversely, when the user moves the remote controller 610 closerto the display apparatus 600, the selected area within the displayapparatus 600 corresponding to the pointer 611 can be zoomed-out so asto be displayed in a more reduced size.

Next, FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating internal elements of theremote controller shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, a remotecontroller 701 includes, for example, a wireless communication unit 725,a user input unit 735, a sensor unit 740, an output unit 750, a powersupply unit 760, a storage unit 770, and a control unit 780.

The wireless communication unit 725 transmits and receives signals toand from a display apparatus 700 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The remote controller 701 includes an RF module 721,which can transmit and receive signals to and from the display apparatus700 in accordance with an RF communication standard. Additionally, theremote controller 701 includes an IR module 723, which can transmit andreceive signals to and from the display apparatus 700 in accordance withan IR communication standard.

Meanwhile, although FIG. 7 illustrates the remote controller 701 thatcan process both RF signals and IR signals, a remote controller that canonly process RF signals may be used to control the display apparatus700. Alternatively, a remote controller that can only process IR signalsmay be used to control the display apparatus 700. However, forsimplicity, the remote controller that can process both RF signals andIR signals will be described as follows.

The remote controller 701 transmits signals carrying information on themotions of the remote controller 701 to the display apparatus 700through the RF module 721. Also, the remote controller 701 receives asignal transmitted from the display apparatus 700 through the RF module721. Also, the remote controller 701 can transmit commands associatedwith power on/off, channel change, volume change, and so on to thedisplay apparatus 700 through the IR module 723.

The user input unit 735 may include a keypad, buttons, a touchpad, or atouchscreen. The user can manipulate the user input unit 735 so as toinput a command associated with the display apparatus 700. Further, thesensor unit 740 includes a Gyro sensor 741 or an acceleration sensor743. Furthermore, the Gyro sensor 741 can sense information associatedto the motions of the remote controller 701.

In addition, the Gyro sensor 741 can sense the information associatedwith the motions of the remote controller 701 based upon x, y, and zaxes. Further, the acceleration sensor 743 can sense informationassociated with a movement speed of the remote controller 701.Meanwhile, the acceleration sensor 743 may include a distancemeasurement sensor. Also, by using the distance measurement sensor, theacceleration sensor 743 can sense the distance between the remotecontroller 701 and the display apparatus 700.

The output unit 750 can output a video signal or an audio signal eithercorresponding to the manipulation of the user input unit 735 orcorresponding to the signal transmitted from the display apparatus 700.The user can also recognize whether or not the user input unit 735 hasbeen manipulated or whether or not the display apparatus 700 has beencontrolled through the output unit 750. According to an embodiment ofthe present invention, when the user input unit 735 is manipulated, orwhen a signal is transmitted and received to and from the displayapparatus 700 through the wireless communication unit 725, the outputunit 750 includes an LED module 751 that is lit, an oscillation module753 that generates oscillation, a sound output module 755 that outputssound, or a display module 757 that outputs images.

Further, the power supply unit 760 supplies power to the remotecontroller 701. When the remote controller 701 does not move for apredetermined period of time, by stopping the power supply, the powersupply unit 760 can reduce a wasted amount of power. The power supplyunit 760 can also resume the power supply, when a predetermined keyprovided in the remote controller 701 is manipulated.

In addition, the storage unit 770 can store diverse types of programs,application data, and so on, that are used for controlling or operatingthe remote controller 701. Also, the control unit 708 performs theoverall functions associated with the control of the remote controller701.

Therefore, options displayed on the application browser can be selectedby moving the remote controller shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, or the optionsdisplayed on the application browser can be selected by using the userinput unit (e.g., arrow buttons) of the remote controller.

Next, FIG. 8 includes display screens illustrating a process of changinga status of the application browser according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Hereinafter, a process of enlarging the size of theapplication browser according to an embodiment of the present inventionwill be described with reference to FIG. 8.

When an application browser is initially executed, applications, whichare pre-stored in 1-layer at a bottom portion of the display screen, arepartially displayed as shown in FIG. 8(a). However, the user may want toverify or view a broader list of applications.

At this point, when the user moves the remote controller 810 so as tocontrol an indicator 811 to move upwards, a list showing a larger numberof applications of 2-layers is displayed as shown in FIG. 8(b).Furthermore, when the indicator 811 is moved to an upper end of thedisplay screen of a display apparatus 800, a list of all applications of3-layers is displayed as shown in FIG. 8(c). Embodiments of the presentinvention also include changing the above-described layer or the size ofthe applications that are being displayed.

Next, FIG. 9 includes display screens illustrating another process ofchanging a status of the application browser according to an embodimentof the present invention. Hereinafter, a process of reducing the size ofthe application browser according to an embodiment of the presentinvention will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

As opposed to FIG. 8, when the indicator is moved downwards, the size ofthe application browser is reduced as shown in FIGS. 9(a), (b) and (c).More specifically, because the number of the listed applications isreduced, the visibility of video data of the broadcast screen can beincreased on the display apparatus 900.

Next, FIGS. 10A to 10C are display screens illustrating processes forediting an application location in a first mode of the applicationbrowser according to an embodiment of the present invention. Herein, forexample, the first mode of the application browser refers to a modeshowing a list of applications corresponding to 1-layer as shown in FIG.10A.

First of all, as shown in FIG. 10A, the display apparatus 1000 accordingto an embodiment of the present invention outputs the first mode of theapplication browser. At this point, when the user of the displayapparatus 1000 wants to edit the location of the listed applications,the user places an indicator 1011 using the remote controller 1010 onthe application, which the user wants to edit, for a predeterminedperiod of time. The user can also select the application, which he orshe wants to edit, by using a short or hot key.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10B, the display apparatus 1000 displayareas 1012 and 1013, to which the selected specific application can berelocated, by highlighting the corresponding areas 1012 and 1013 so thatthe corresponding areas 1012 and 1013 are differentiated from otherareas. As shown in FIG. 10B, because the system applications cannot berelocated, the areas 1012 and 1013 are not displayed in between thesystem applications. Meanwhile, for providing a guide notifying that theselected specific application can be relocated, the graphic data of theindicator 1011 of the remote controller 1010 are also converted. Thisprocess can be easily understood by comparing FIGS. 10A with 10C.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 10C, the location of a specific application1012 can be moved (or re-located) by using the remote controller 1010and the indicator 1011. Therefore, by comparing FIG. 10A with FIG. 10C,it is apparent that the positions of the downloaded applications,“Hokey” application and “42” application, have been changed.

Next, FIG. 11 is a display screen illustrating a detailed view of asecond mode of the application browser according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Herein, for example, the second mode of theapplication browser refers to a mode showing a list of applicationscorresponding to 3-layers as shown in FIG. 11. By using the second mode,the user can verify or view a list of a larger number of applications atthe same time.

As shown in FIG. 11, the display apparatus 1100 according to anembodiment of the present invention outputs a list 1120 of applicationsbelonging to multiple groups stored in the memory 150. As describedabove, video data 1110 respective to the broadcast program may also bedisplayed.

Also, the display apparatus 1100 displays an option 1130 enabling theuser to search for applications having a specific title, an edit option1140 enabling the user to edit the positions of the listed applicationsto be edited, an exit option 1150 enabling the user to return to theprevious display screen, options 1160, 1170, and 1180 for categorizingonly the applications belonging to a specific category, and an option1190 for displaying the currently used memory size in comparison withthe total memory size.

Further, FIG. 5 or 11 shows an example of the application browser and ageneral broadcast A/V screen being simultaneously output in an overlaidformat. Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, amongthe applications listed, when a specific application is selected fromthe application browser, the output of the overlaying general broadcastA/V screen may be interrupted. Furthermore, according to anotherembodiment of the present invention, the display apparatus can stop theoutput of the general broadcast A/V screen and only display theapplication browser.

Next, FIGS. 12A to 12C are display screens illustrating processes forediting an application location in the second mode of the applicationbrowser according to an embodiment of the present invention. If the Editoption 1140 shown in FIG. 11 is selected, the display apparatus 1200provides a modified application browser screen as shown in FIG. 12A. Forexample, when a specific application (e.g., App 2) is selected by usingthe remote controller 1210 and indicator 1211, graphic data 1220 guidingthe user to re-locatable positions are displayed. As described above,such graphic data 1220 are not displayed between the systemapplications, which cannot be relocated.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 12B, the application #2 (App 2) isrelocated to a position between application #24 (App 24) and application#25 (App 25) by using the remote controller 1210 and the indicator 1211.Finally, as shown in FIG. 12C, because the display apparatus 1200differently displays application #2 (App 2) 1220, the position ofapplication #2 (App 2) 1220 being relocated, the user can verify therelocated application more easily. Furthermore, once the editing processis completed, the shape of the indicator 1211 is changed from afinger-pointing hand to a cross. Thus, the user can recognize that theediting function is completed and that other functions can be performed.

Next, FIGS. 13A to 13C are display screens illustrating processes fordeleting editable applications in the second mode of the applicationbrowser according to an embodiment of the present invention. If the Editoption 1140 shown in FIG. 11 is selected, the display apparatus 1300provides a modified application browser screen as shown in FIG. 13A. Forexample, when a specific application #2 (App 2) is selected by using theremote controller 1310 and the indicator 1311, graphic data 1320 guidingthe user to re-locatable positions are displayed. Additionally, graphicdata 1330 corresponding to deletable areas are displayed by beinghighlighted.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13B, the application #2 (App 2) is movedto a deletable area by using the remote controller 1310 and theindicator 1311. At this point, as shown in FIG. 13B, graphic datarepresenting a Trash Can is changed to an open state from a usual closedstate (shown in FIG. 13A). Thus, the display apparatus 1300 can warn ornotify the user once again that the application selected by the user canbe deleted.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 13C, after completing the repositioning of thespecific application #2 (App 2) to the deletable area, the display ofthe corresponding graphic data 1330 is highlighted once again.Thereafter, the display apparatus 1300 adjusts the positions of theremaining applications and displays the new layout. For example, thelayout of the applications may include application #3 (App 3), which wasinitially adjacent to the deleted application #2 (App 2), as beingrelocated to the initial position of the deleted application #2 (App 2).Accordingly, the positions of the other applications are also shiftedleftwards by one block.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, when an editable(relocatable or deletable) application is selected, the graphic data ofthe relocatable or deletable areas are modified. Also, according toanother embodiment of the present invention, the display apparatus doesnot highlight the specific areas as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In thisinstance, a first application, which the user wants to relocate, isassumed to exist. Accordingly, when the first application is moved (orrelocated) to a specific area (e.g., the position where a thirdapplication is located), which the user wants to relocate the firstapplication, the display apparatus exchanges the position of the firstapplication and the position of the third application.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, thepositions of the applications may be modified in accordance with theoverlaying portion (e.g., 50% or more) between the first application andthe third application. Therefore, when the overlaying portion of theapplications is less than 50%, the positions of the correspondingapplications are not changed.

Next, FIGS. 14A and 14B are display screens illustrating a first groupof non-editable application groups in the second mode of the applicationbrowser according to an embodiment of the present invention. Forexample, the first group described with reference FIG. 14 corresponds tothe premium applications described in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 14A, aspecific application, which is relocatable but undeletable, is moved toan area 1420 indicating a trash can. At this point, the specificapplication can be relocated by using the remote controller 1410 and theindicator 1411.

However, unlike the description of FIG. 13, the display apparatus 1400displays a message 1430 guiding the user that the selected applicationcannot be deleted as shown in FIG. 14B. Therefore, the user canreattempt to edit the corresponding application by only repositioningthe selected application. However, one embodiment of the presentinvention can avoid relocating the selected application to theabove-described area 1420.

Next, FIGS. 15A and 15B are display screens illustrating a second groupof non-editable application groups in the second mode of the applicationbrowser according to an embodiment of the present invention. Forexample, the second group described in FIG. 15 corresponds to the systemapplications of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 15A, the display apparatus 1500outputs an application browser screen. At this point, when the userwants to move (or relocate) the system application by using a remotecontroller 1510 and indicator 1511, the system application is moved onlywithin a very small range. Therefore, the user can recognize that themovement (or repositioning) of the system application itself cannot beperformed.

If the user repeatedly attempts to edit the system application for morethan a predetermined range (e.g., 5 times and more), the displayapparatus 1500 displays a message 1530 notifying the user that thecorresponding application cannot be repositioned or deleted as shown inFIG. 15B.

Next, FIGS. 16A to 16D are display screens illustrating processes forrecovering deleted applications in the application browser according toan embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16A, thedisplay apparatus 1600 outputs an application browser screen. At thispoint, the user can view the deleted applications. Accordingly, the usercan determine whether or not to recover one or more of the deletedapplications. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16A, the user selects thegraphic data 1620 enabling the user to view the deleted applications byusing the remote controller 1610 and the indicator 1611.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 16B, the display apparatus 1600 displaysa list of the deleted applications. For example, the position of eachdeleted application is aligned based upon a time order. At this point,the user selects a recover or return button 1620 for a specificapplication by using the remote controller 1610 and the indicator 1611.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, linkinformation, URL information, and so on, which can re-download thedeleted applications, are pre-stored in the memory 150. Therefore, thedeleted applications can be recovered much more quickly. Further, whenan arbitrary application is deleted, the link information, URLinformation, and so on can be permanently deleted from the memory.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 16C, while the display apparatus 1600recovers the specific selected application (i.e., while the displayapparatus 1600 downloads the corresponding application after accessingthe respective link (URL)), the display apparatus 1600 outputs a message1630 notifying the user of the above-described process.

Finally, when the recovery of the deleted application is completed, thedisplay apparatus 1600 automatically edits the application browser asshown in FIG. 16D. More specifically, the display apparatus 1600positions the icon of the recovered application in the last portion ofthe list of applications.

Next, FIGS. 17A and 17B are display screens illustrating a searchfunction provided by the application browser according to an embodimentof the present invention. In this example, the Search option 1130 shownin FIG. 11 is selected. At this point, as shown in FIG. 17A, the userinputs a title of an application that he or she wants to search by usingthe remote controller 1710 and the indicator 1711. Also, the remotecontroller 1710 can include a QWERTY keyboard, or a virtual QWERTYkeyboard can be displayed on the display screen of the display apparatus1700. In the example shown in FIG. 17A, the term “baseball” is input asthe keyword.

At this point, as shown in FIG. 17B, the display screen of the displayapparatus 1700 displays only the applications 1730 and 1740 carryingmetadata associated with the corresponding keyword “baseball” arehighlighted. Thus, this method is applicable when the correspondingapplications carry the respective metadata. This will be described inmore detail with reference to FIG. 18.

In more detail, FIG. 18 is a table illustrating metadata of a pre-storedapplication according to an embodiment of the present invention. Systemapplications, premium applications, and downloaded applications carrydiverse types of metadata. For example, the metadata correspond toinformation that can identify application titles, application types, andso on. Thus, the metadata shown in FIG. 18 are merely exemplary. Also,depending upon modifications in the design made by the user, the presentinvention may also be applied to applications including a wider range ofmetadata.

Next, FIGS. 19A and 19B are display screens illustrating a filteringfunction for each category provided by the application browser accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. First of all, as shown in theexample of FIG. 18, each of the pre-stored applications carry metadata.At this point, as shown in FIG. 19A, when the user selects a specificapplication type (e.g., Sports) 1920 by using the remote controller 1910and the indicator 1911, only applications carrying metadatacorresponding to Sports are highlighted on the display screen of thedisplay apparatus 1900.

Further, unlike the example shown in FIG. 19A, according to anembodiment of the present invention, graphic data categorizing theapplications by each type (e.g., Sports, News, Games, etc.) can bedisplayed as shown in FIG. 19B.

Next, FIGS. 20A and 20B are display screens illustrating processes forcontrolling the application browser according to an embodiment of thepresent invention by using a remote controller transmitting IR signals.The previous description assumed that RF signals were transmitted inaccordance with the motions of the remote controller. However, accordingto another embodiment of the present invention, the application browsercan be controlled even when IR signals are transmitted, regardless ofthe motions of the remote controller. This will now be described withreference to FIGS. 20A and 20B.

As shown in FIG. 20A, the display apparatus 2000 displays an area 2020where the indicator is currently located. At this point, when a specificarrow button (e.g., arrow indicating Right) 2011 of the remotecontroller 2010 is pressed, the display screen is changed to theapplication browser screen shown in FIG. 20B.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 20B, among a plurality of selectableoptions, the display apparatus 2000 displays an area 2030 shifted to theright by one block by highlighting the selected area 2030. Conversely,as shown in FIG. 20B, when a specific arrow button (e.g., arrowindicating Left) 2013 of the remote controller 2010 is pressed, thedisplay screen returns to the application browser screen of FIG. 20A.Accordingly, the user can control the application browser screen byusing only the arrow buttons of the remote controller according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Next, FIGS. 21A to 21C are display screens illustrating processes forediting the application browser by using a remote controllertransmitting IR signals according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. First of all, in this example, the Edit mode 1140 shown inFIG. 11 is assumed to be selected. At this point, as shown in FIG. 21A,the display apparatus 2100 displays the direction indicators 2120 towhich the specific application #2 (App 2) can be moved. When a specificarrow button (e.g., arrow indicating Down) 2111 of the remote controller2110 is pressed, the display screen is changed to the applicationbrowser screen shown in FIG. 21B.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 21B, the specific application #2(App 2) 2130 is shifted downwards by one block. At this point, when aspecific OK button 2112 of the remote controller 2110 is pressed, thedisplay screen is changed to the application browser screen shown inFIG. 21C.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 21C, since the Edit mode iscompleted, arrow indicators 2140 are no longer displayed. Therefore, theuser can easily verify that the specific application has been finallymoved to the location wanted by the user.

FIGS. 22 to 24 are display screens illustrating processes of returningto a previous screen from the application browser according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 22(a), the displayapparatus 2200 outputs raw broadcast video data that does not interferewith the application browser to a first area 2220. At this point, thedisplay apparatus 2200 interrupts the execution and display of theapplication browser, when the indicator 2211 of the remote controller2210 is located in the first area 2220 as shown in FIG. 22(b), therebydisplaying the broadcast video data on the entire area 2230 of thedisplay screen.

As shown in FIG. 23(a), the display apparatus 2300 interrupts theexecution and display of the application browser, when the indicator2311 of the remote controller 2310 is located in the first area 2320,thereby displaying the broadcast video data on the entire area 2330 ofthe display screen as shown in FIG. 23(b).

As shown in FIG. 24(a), the display apparatus 2400 outputs an Exit modeoption 2420 along with the Edit mode option within the applicationbrowser. At this point, the display apparatus 2400 interrupts theexecution and display of the application browser, when the indicator2411 of the remote controller 2410 is located over the Exit mode option2420, thereby displaying the broadcast video data on the entire area2430 of the display screen as shown in FIG. 24(b).

Next, FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling anapplication browser performed by the display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, FIG. 25 may beinterpreted based upon the embodiments described with reference to FIGS.1 to 24.

The display apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention receives a broadcast program from a broadcasting station(S2501). Herein, for example, the broadcast program includes audio dataand video data. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, the display apparatus can also receive general contentsthrough a network interface, without having to receive a broadcastprogram from the broadcasting station.

The display apparatus demultiplexes the received video data and theaudio data (S2502), and then receives a first command requesting for alist of multiple applications (S2503). The display apparatus accesses amemory including an editable first application group and a non-editablesecond application group (S2504). Then, the display apparatus generatesgraphic data indicating the list of multiple applications (S2505).According to an embodiment of the present invention, the graphic dataindicating the applications belonging to the first application group andthe graphic data indicating the applications belonging to the secondapplication group are designed differently. As shown in FIG. 5,according to an embodiment of the present invention, the systemapplications and the downloaded applications are set to have differentcontrast ratios.

The display apparatus then mixes the video data of the broadcast programwith the generated graphic data (S2506). Thereafter, the displayapparatus displays the video data in a first area and displays thegraphic data in a second area (S2507). The first area may, for example,include the second area. This can be interpreted and understood byreferring to the above-described FIG. 5 or 11.

The display apparatus according to another embodiment of the presentinvention further includes receiving a second command initiating an Editmode, determining whether a selected specific application belongs to thefirst application group or to the second application group, anddisplaying a first area, to which an icon corresponding to the selectedspecific application can be moved, or a second area, where applicationsmay be deleted, by graphics different from those of the remaining areas.This can be understood and interpreted by referring to FIGS. 12 to 15.

Meanwhile, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention,the display apparatus further includes removing the specific applicationfrom the memory, when an icon corresponding to the specific applicationis positioned in the second area, and storing address information, whichcan download the specific application, in the memory. This can beunderstood and interpreted by referring to FIG. 16.

Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, the display apparatus further includes receiving a thirdcommand for categorizing multiple applications stored in the memorybased upon the respective application types, accessing the memory andcategorizing the applications by the respective application type,generating graphic data including icons corresponding to eachapplication categorized by the respective application type, displayingicons corresponding to each of at least one application belonging to afirst application type in a first sub-area, and displaying iconscorresponding to each of at least one application belonging to a secondapplication type in a second sub-area. Here, the applications carrymetadata for identifying the application types. This can be understoodand interpreted by referring to FIGS. 18 and 19.

Hereinafter, a Recent function respective to multiple groups accordingto an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to FIGS. 26 to 37. Further, a “Recent” application isassumed to be selected among the system applications shown in FIG. 3.

Moreover, referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, the process of the displayapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention performingthe Recent function respective multiple applications will now bedescribed in detail.

The tuner 110 receives a broadcast program from a broadcasting station.Here, for example, the broadcast program includes audio data and videodata. Furthermore, the demultiplexer 120 demultiplexes the receivedaudio data and video data. According to another embodiment of thepresent invention, the display apparatus receives the general contentsthrough a network interface 130 instead of the tuner 110.

The memory 150 stores data listing at least one or more contents eachhaving a previous execution history. Here, for example, the contentcorresponds to a channel or another item. The memory 150 will bedescribed in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 26 to 29.

The user interface 170 receives a command associated with data stored inthe memory 150. Herein, for example, among the diverse data stored inthe memory 150, the command corresponds to a signal requesting listinginformation about contents of a specific group.

The OSD generator 162 included in the controller 160 uses the datastored in the memory 150, so as to generate graphic data listing the atleast one or more contents. Thus, an embodiment of the present inventionincludes designing the OSD generator 162 as a separate module of thecontroller 160. The mixer 167 included in the controller 160 then mixesthe video data of the broadcast program with the graphic data generatedby the OSD generator 162. Similarly, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes designing the mixer 167 as a separate module of thecontroller 160.

The controller 160 performs controlling operations enabling the mixedvideo data and graphic data to be output through the display module 180.This process will be described in more detail later with reference toFIG. 30.

Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention,the user interface 170 receives a command for selecting an area where achannel list and an item list are not displayed. At this point, thecontroller 160 controls operations so that the output of the graphicdata listing applications is stopped and also so that the video data canbe output in a full screen. This process will be described in moredetail later with reference to FIGS. 35a and 35 b.

Next, FIG. 26 is a table illustrating a data format for providing aRecent function respective to multiple groups according to an embodimentof the present invention. According to an embodiment of the presentinvention, the “Recent” function is newly defined. For example, amongthe plurality of contents belonging to a first group (channel) and to asecond group (remaining items), the “Recent” function corresponds to afunction enabling channels and items having a history of recent usage tobe quickly listed. For example, two factors are used in order to executethe above-described Recent function.

First of all, an extraction standard for determining a channel or itemhaving a history of recent usage is used. Thereafter, when a channel oritem having a history of recent usage is decided, a standard fordetermining which information is to be displayed on the list is used.

As shown in FIG. 26, when the display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention is maintained to be tuned to anarbitrary first channel for more than a predetermined period of time(e.g., 10 seconds or more), the corresponding channel is considered tohave a recent access history. Accordingly, the first channel is storedin a first list associated with the Recent function.

Also, when the arbitrary channel is included in the first list, athumbnail image, a channel number, or a channel name respective to thearbitrary first channel are also mapped to the corresponding channel andstored in the first list. Meanwhile, acquiring a thumbnail image of achannel included in the first list will be described in more detail withreference to FIG. 27.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 26, an extraction standard for theremaining items other than the channel is generally determined basedupon whether or not each item has a recently used history. Also,recently executed items are stored in a second list associated with theRecent function. For example, such items include at least one of MovingPicture, Still Image, Music, Application, Web, Setting, Input Device.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, the list of channels having a recently tuned historyand the list of items having a recently used history are designed to beseparately managed. This will be described in more detail with referenceto FIGS. 28 and 29.

Next, FIG. 27 is a table illustrating another data format for providinga Recent function respective to multiple groups according to anembodiment of the present invention. As described above, information onchannels that are tuned for more than a predetermined period of time islisted. Also, the data format shown in FIG. 27 is stored in the memory150, and the priority levels shown in FIG. 27 are merely exemplary.Therefore, the present invention is not limited only to the prioritylevels shown in FIG. 27.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a specificchannel is tuned for more than a predetermined period of time, an imageof the display screen that is currently being displayed is captured soas to create a thumbnail image. Also, according to another embodiment ofthe present invention, main thumbnail image data respective to aspecific broadcast program that is currently being displayed is receivedfrom a content provider (CP) and stored.

Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, when a specific channel is tuned for more than apredetermined period of time, graphic data corresponding to a channellogo or a channel number can be stored in the list.

Next, FIGS. 28 and 29 are tables illustrating yet another data formatfor providing a Recent function respective to multiple groups accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. For example, a list ofrecently accessed channels (i.e., Channel list) and a list of recentlyaccessed items (i.e., Item list) can be generated based upon the datashown in FIGS. 26 and 27. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 28,according to an embodiment of the present invention, the channel list isstored in a first address of the memory, and the item list is stored ina second address of the memory. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28, the usercan verify the list of channels he or she has recently accessed and thelist of other items.

As shown in FIG. 28, for the Channel list, the history of the recentlytuned channels is listed by an order of channel 7 (CH7), channel 5(CH5), channel 4 (CH4), channel 11 (CH11), . . . , channel 9 (CH9).Meanwhile, for the Other Item list (which excludes the channels), thehistory of the recently tuned items is listed by an order of Acebook, awebsite, a still image (File Name: KIM), a Scheduled Sleep Mode, . . . ,a still image (File Name: YS).

Furthermore, based upon the current time point the user is assumed to beviewing a program of Channel 8 and that the user has watched a movingpicture file entitled “Movie”, the list of memory addresses shown inFIG. 28 is changed to the list of memory addresses shown in FIG. 29.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, Channel 8 (CH8) is given thehighest priority level in the Channel list of the first memory address(i.e., first address of the memory). Also, the moving picture fileentitled “Movie” is given the highest priority level in the Item list ofthe second memory address (i.e., second address of the memory).

Next, FIG. 30 is a display screen illustrating graphic data where theRecent function respective to multiple groups according to an embodimentof the present invention is executed. When the above-described Recentfunction is executed, the display apparatus 700 according to anembodiment of the present invention displays two different types ofvideo data in two areas, as shown in FIG. 30.

Among the video data, general broadcast data are output in a first area710, and a channel list (CH) 730 and an item list (OTHER) 740, eachstored in the respective addresses of the memory, are output in a secondarea 720.

In the channel list 730, thumbnail image data respective to each channelare displayed by the order of SBC, KBC1, KBC2, MBS. Further, the displayorder corresponds to the order of accessed channels starting from thechannel most recently accessed by the user.

In the item list 740, thumbnail image data respective to each icon orgraphic are displayed by the order of Acebook, a website (e.g., BAUM), astill image (File Name: KIM), “T” application. Further, the displayorder corresponds to the order of accessed items starting from the itemmost recently accessed by the user.

Additionally, a Delete Mode 750 shown in FIG. 30 corresponds to anoption enabling the user of the display apparatus 700 to quickly deleteunwanted contents from the above-described channel list 730 and itemlist 740. The Delete Mode will be described later in more detail withreference to FIG. 34.

Furthermore, the diverse options shown in FIG. 30 may be selected usingthe remote controller 795 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In addition, feedback graphic data 796 respective to an inputsignal of the remote controller 795 are displayed on the display screen.For example, with respect to the motion of the remote controller 795,when the feedback graphic data 796 are positioned over an Exit option760, the user can return to the previous display screen. For example,all of the lists displayed in the second area 720 disappear.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 30, when the display apparatus displays thebroadcast data and the graphic data listing channels and items at thesame time, the user can verifying the broadcast program, which iscurrently being received, while easily verifying a history of previoususage of multiple content groups at the same time.

In addition, details of the remote controller 795 shown in FIG. 30 canbe understood by referring to FIGS. 6 and 7. For example, by moving theremote controller shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the user can select optionsdisplayed in a Recent list. Alternatively, by using a user input unit(e.g., arrow buttons) of the remote controller, the user can selectoptions displayed in a Recent list.

Next, FIG. 31 includes display screens illustrating a first process ofexecuting the Recent function respective to multiple groups according toan embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 31illustrates a process where the user selects a specific channel, whichthe user has already recently accessed.

First of all, as shown in FIG. 30, a display screen of a broadcastprogram is output in the first area and a list of recently used contentsrespective to two groups is output in the second area. Here, forexample, the second area is included in the first area. Also, for theoverlaying portion of the first area and the second area, the broadcastscreen is processed as a non-transparent graphic. Furthermore, forexample, the two groups respectively correspond to a group of channelsand a group of items.

As shown in FIG. 31(a), the user can use the remote controller 1095 soas to select a specific SBC channel 1097 from the list of recently tunedchannels. For example, when an indicator 1096, which changes itsposition in accordance with the motion of the remote controller 1095, isplaced over the specific SBC channel 1097 for more than a predeterminedperiod of time, the specific SBC channel is selected. Alternatively,when the indicator 1096 is placed over the specific SBC channel 1097 andthen another specific button (e.g., OK button) is pressed, the specificSBC channel is selected.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 31(b), the display apparatus can be tuned tochannel SBC 1097 instead of the channel tuned in FIG. 31(a).Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, thechannel list and the item list can disappear at the same time, and thusthe user's convenience is enhanced.

Next, FIG. 32 includes display screens illustrating a second process ofexecuting the Recent function respective to multiple groups according toan embodiment of the present invention. Most particularly, FIG. 32illustrates a process where the user selects a specific item, which theuser has already recently accessed.

First of all, as shown in FIG. 30, a display screen of a broadcastprogram is output in the first area and a list of recently used contentsrespective to two groups is output in the second area. Here, forexample, the second area is included in the first area. Also, for theoverlaying portion of the first area and the second area, the broadcastscreen is processed as a non-transparent graphic. Furthermore, the twogroups respectively correspond to a group of channels and a group ofitems, for example.

As shown in FIG. 32(a), the user can use the remote controller 1195 toselect a specific application 1197 from the list of recently executeditems. For example, when an indicator 1196, which changes its positionin accordance with the motion of the remote controller 1195, is placedover the specific application 1197 for more than a predetermined periodof time, the specific application is selected. Alternatively, when theindicator 1196 is placed over the specific application 1197 and thenanother specific button (e.g., OK button) is pressed, the specificapplication is selected.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 32(b), the display apparatus can execute thespecific application instead of the item executed in FIG. 32(a).Furthermore, as opposed to FIG. 31, which corresponds to an embodimentthat maintains a Broadcast mode, FIG. 32 corresponds to an embodimentthat is changed from the Broadcast mode to an Execution mode.

Next, FIG. 33 includes display screens illustrating a third process ofexecuting the Recent function respective to multiple groups according toan embodiment of the present invention. In the above-described FIGS. 31and 32, the number of contents selectable by the user from the Channeland Item lists was limited to one (i.e., only one channel or only oneitem can be selected from the Channel and Item lists). Conversely, FIG.33 illustrates a specific channel and a specific item that can both beselected from the Channel and Item lists.

First of all, while the indicator 1296, which changes its position inaccordance with the motion of the remote controller 1295 shown in FIG.33(a), is placed over a specific broadcast channel 1297, if an OK buttonof the remote controller 1295 is pressed twice, the display apparatus isimmediately tuned to the specific broadcast channel 1297.

However, if the OK button of the remote controller 1295 is pressed onlyonce, while the indicator 1296 is placed over the specific broadcastchannel 1297, the display apparatus is not tuned immediately. Thus, aspecific item can be additionally selected from the Item list and notfrom the Channel list.

Accordingly, when the specific broadcast channel 1297 is highlighted, ifthe OK button of the remote controller 1295 is pressed twice, while theindicator 1296 is placed over a specific application 1298, the displayapparatus can be shifted to a Double Mode as shown in FIG. 33(b).

As shown in FIG. 33(b), the display apparatus can display a broadcastprogram received through the selected specific broadcast channel 1297 ina left-side area of the display screen. Also, the display apparatus canexecute the selected specific application 1298 in a right-side area ofthe display screen. Further, an embodiment of the present inventionincludes adjusting positions and shapes of each area.

FIGS. 34A to 34D are display screens illustrating a fourth process ofexecuting the Recent function respective to multiple groups according toan embodiment of the present invention. The above-described drawingsillustrate the process of simultaneously displaying a list of channelgroups and a list of item groups stored in the memory, when the Recentfunction according to an embodiment of the present invention is beingexecuted. However, in some instances, when an unwanted content exists ineach list, a solution for quickly deleting such unwanted contents isused as will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 34.

When the Recent function according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is executed, a list of recently tuned channels and a list ofrecently executed items are displayed as shown in FIG. 34A. Referencemay be made to FIG. 30 for supplementary description of theabove-described process.

At this point, as shown in FIG. 34A, when the indicator 1396 of theremote controller 1395 is placed over an area 1397 enabling the user toselect the Delete Mode, the graphic data of all contents included in thelist are changed (or modified) as shown in FIG. 34B. When comparing FIG.34A with FIG. 34B, the Delete Mode area 1397 is changed to a Deletebutton 1350.

Moreover, for example, as shown in FIG. 34B, a check box 1301 enablingthe user to select the content he or she wants to delete is displayed.At this point, the indicator 1396 of the remote controller 1395 isplaced over a specific channel 1380. Thus, although FIG. 34b shows anexample of selecting only one channel, multiple channels and multipleitems may also be simultaneously deleted from the list.

As shown in FIG. 34C, a graphic indicating a V shape is added to thecheck box 1301 of the specific channel 1380. This graphic performs therole of notifying the user whether or not the corresponding check boxhas been checked, and this graphic may be designed to have differentshapes and colors. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 34C, when pressing theOK button, after placing the indicator 1396 of the remote controller1395 over the Delete button 1350, the graphic data of FIG. 34C arechanged to graphic data shown in FIG. 34D.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 34D, a message 1310 notifying theuser that the selected channel has been deleted from the Recent list isdisplayed on the display screen of the display apparatus. Furthermore,the display apparatus can delete the corresponding specific channel fromthe list stored in the memory, and also so that the positions of theremaining channels can be shifted leftwards within the Channel list asshown in FIG. 34D.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 34D, the Delete button is changed back tothe area 1397 enabling the user to select the Delete Mode. Accordingly,the present invention is advantageous because the user can quicklyreturn to the process of selecting a channel her or she wants to delete.

A brief description of FIG. 34 will now be given as follows. The displayapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention displays afirst list (e.g., Channel list shown in FIG. 34A), a second list (e.g.,Other list shown in FIG. 34A), and an indicator for the Delete Mode(reference number 1397 shown in FIG. 34A).

When the indicator (reference number 1397 shown in FIG. 34A) isselected, first graphic data displaying items or channels listed in thelist are changed to second graphic data. More specifically, whencomparing FIG. 34A with FIG. 34B, the first graphic data correspond tothumbnail image data that do not include a check box (shown in FIG.34A). Conversely, the second graphic data correspond to thumbnail imagedata that include a check box (shown in FIG. 34B).

Furthermore, when a specific item or a specific channel is selected byreferring to the second graphic data (reference numbers 1301 and 1380 ofFIG. 34B), the selected specific item or the selected specific channelis deleted from the memory, and the display of the deleted channel oritem within the corresponding list is stopped (as shown in FIG. 34D).

Next, FIGS. 35A and 35 b illustrate a fifth process of executing theRecent function respective to multiple groups according to an embodimentof the present invention. If the Recent function according to anembodiment of the present invention is executed, the graphic data shownin FIG. 35A are output. At this point, the display screen shown in FIG.35A is divided into a total of 4 areas.

A first area 1410 and a fourth area 1440 correspond to areas that outputvideo data of a broadcast program. However, the first area 1410 and thefourth area 1440 do not include graphic data associated with the Recentfunction. Conversely, a second area 1420 and a third area 1430correspond to areas that include both video data of the broadcastprogram and graphic data indicating the respective list. However, in thesecond area 1420 and the third area 1430, the graphic data are displayedto be overlaying with the video data of the broadcast program.

At this point, when the indicator 1496 of the remote controller 1495 isplaced over the first area 1410 or the fourth area 1440 for apredetermined period of time, or when the indicator 1496 of the remotecontroller 1495 is placed over the first area 1410 or the fourth area1440, and when a specific button (e.g., OK button) is selectedafterwards, the display screen is changed from FIG. 35A to FIG. 35B.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 35B, the display apparatus 1400according to an embodiment of the present invention stops the display ofthe lists that were previously displayed in the second area 1420 and thethird area 1430, and also output only the video data of the broadcastprogram in the entire area of the display screen.

FIGS. 36A and 36B illustrate a sixth process of executing the Recentfunction respective to multiple groups according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Meanwhile, as described above, although the terms“first process” to “sixth process” are used, these are merely exemplaryterms used to facilitate the description of the present invention.Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-describedorder of each process.

As shown in FIG. 36A, a list of recently tuned channels is displayed inthe first area 1510, and a list of recently executed items is displayedin the second area 1520. However, both of the areas 1510 and 1520 occupyonly a limited space within the display screen. Therefore, it isdifficult to simultaneously display all of the contents included in thelist stored in the memory of the display apparatus.

Accordingly, in order to overcome such disadvantage, when the contentsincluded in the list stored in the memory cannot be displayed in asingle display screen at the same time (e.g., when the number ofchannels or items listed in the list exceeds 5), graphic data 1500enabling the user to turn to a next page are output as shown in FIG.36A.

At this point, the indicator 1596 of the remote controller 1595 isplaced over the graphic data 1500, thereby enabling the user to turn thepage leftwards or rightwards. For example, when the indicator 1596selects a Right arrow (i.e., an arrow pointing the right side) of thegraphic data 1500, the display screen is changed from FIG. 36A to FIG.36B.

Referring to FIG. 36A, channel 1 (CH. 1), channel 2 (CH. 2), channel 3(CH. 3), channel 4 (CH. 4), and channel 5 (CH. 5) were listed in thefirst area 1510, and item 1, item 2, item 3, item 4, and item 5 werelisted in the second area 1520. However, in FIG. 36B, channel 6 (CH. 6),channel 7 (CH. 7), channel 8 (CH. 8), channel 9 (CH. 9), and channel 10(CH. 10) are listed in the first area 1530, and item 6, item 7, item 8,item 9, and item 10 are listed in the second area 1540. Therefore, thedisplay apparatus in FIGS. 36A and 36B allows the user to verify thecontents listed in the above-described list in group units or pageunits.

Next, FIG. 37 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling adisplay apparatus executing the Recent function respective to multiplegroups according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown,the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention receives a broadcast program from a broadcasting station(S1601). Here, for example, the broadcast program includes audio dataand video data. Thereafter, the display apparatus demultiplexes thereceived audio data and video data (S1602).

The display apparatus outputs each of the demultiplexed audio data andvideo data (S1603). Then, the display apparatus receives a first commandthrough the user interface (S1604). Here, the user interface cancommunicating with the remote controller as described above.

The display apparatus accesses the memory, which stores a first listlisting at least one or more items that were previously used and asecond list listing at least one or more channels that were previouslytuned (S1605). Subsequently, the display apparatus displays thedemultiplexed video data and the first list and the second list bothstored in the memory (S1606). Reference may be made to FIG. 30 for moredetails on this process.

When a second command is received, the display apparatus executes aspecific item, among the at least one or more items listed in the firstlist (S1607). Reference may be made to FIG. 32 for more details on thisprocess. When a third command is received, the display apparatus tunesto a specific channel, among the at least one or more channels listed inthe second list (S1608). Reference may be made to FIG. 31 for moredetails on this process.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, step S1605 mayfurther include storing a first address of the memory starting from anitem having a history of being recently executed based upon a currenttime, storing a second address of the memory starting from a channelhaving a history of being recently tuned based upon the current time,and accessing each of the first address and the second address of thememory. Reference may be made to FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 for more details onthis process.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, step S1606may further include displaying the demultiplexed video data in a firstarea and displaying the first list and the second list in a second area,ceasing to display the first list and the second list, when the displayapparatus receives a fourth command for selecting the first area insteadof the second area, controlling the display apparatus so that the videodata can be output in the first area. Reference may be made to FIGS. 35Aand 35B for more details on this process.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, step S1606may further include displaying a guidance indicator, when a number ofitems listed in the first list or a number of channels listed in thesecond list is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value,and displaying a third list including items or channels that are notdisplayed on the current display screen. Reference may be made to FIGS.36A and 36B for more details on this process.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, step S1606may further include displaying an indicator for the first list, thesecond list, and a Delete mode, changing first graphic data indicatingitems or channels listed in each of the lists to second graphic data,when the indicator is selected, selecting a specific item or a specificchannel by referring to the second graphic data, and deleting theselected specific item or the selected specific channel from the memoryand ceasing to display the specific item or channel within thecorresponding list. Reference may be made to FIGS. 34A and 34B for moredetails on this process.

The above description of the present invention describes the displayapparatus as a TV, for example. However, the present invention can alsobe applied to network devices (e.g., STB) that do not include a displaymodule. With the exception for the absence of the display module, thedescription of the present invention applied to a network device isidentical to the description of the present invention being applied to adisplay apparatus.

More specifically, the network device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention includes a network interface configured to receivecontents being transmitted through a network (here, the contents includeaudio data and video data), a demultiplexer configured to demultiplexthe received audio data and video data, a memory configured to storedata listing at least one or more contents, a user interface configuredto receive a command associated with the data stored in the memory, anODS generator configured to generate graphic data listing the at leastone or more contents by using the data stored in the memory, and a mixerconfigured to mix the video data of a content and the graphic datagenerated by the OSD generator.

Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention,the network device further includes a transmission module configured totransmit the mixed video data and graphic data to an external displaydevice. In addition, the transmission module may be replaced with theabove-described network interface.

Also, the graphic data that list the at least one or more contentsinclude a first area configured to display an order of recently accessedchannels, and a second area configured to display an order of recentlyaccessed items. Alternatively, the graphic data that list the at leastone or more contents includes an area that displays an order of recentlyaccessed contents, wherein the contents include both channels and items.

Meanwhile, although an example of categorizing a Channel list and anOther Items list and executing a Recent function is described herein, anembodiment of the present invention is not limited only to the examplegiven herein. For example, only the Channel list may be output, or onlythe Other Items list may be output, or all contents (channels and items)of a single list may be displayed by the accessed order.

Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention is not limited onlyto the recently accessed order. For example, the listed order of thecontents within a respective list may be adjusted based uponSNS-associated additional information (e.g., number of recommendations).Also, an embodiment of the present invention includes assigning prioritylevels to the most frequently used contents during a specific timeperiod, so as to adjust the displayed order of the contents based uponthe assigned priority levels.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, theabove-described various embodiments of the present invention may befixed to a default value, or the details and order of the list may bearbitrarily changed in accordance with the user's preference.

Finally, the term “network” used in the description of the presentinvention corresponds, for example, to a broadcast network or an IPnetwork. Therefore, the above-described interface module can receive atleast one of data being transmitted through a broadcast network and databeing transmitted through an IP network.

Furthermore, although the drawings have been distinguished and dividedin order to facilitate the description of the present invention, thepresent invention may be designed to form a new embodiment by combiningsome of the above-described embodiments of the present invention.Moreover, whenever required by anyone skilled in the art, an embodimentof the present invention includes designing a recording medium readableby a computer, the computer having a program for executing theabove-described embodiments of the present invention recorded therein.

As described above, the display apparatus for processing multipleapplications and the method for controlling the same have the followingadvantages. According to an embodiment of the present invention, thedisplay apparatus for processing multiple applications and the methodfor controlling the same provide a solution enabling applications storedin the memory of the display apparatus to be quickly managed and easilyedited. For example, system applications, premium applications, anddownloaded applications may be edited in group units.

Also, according to another embodiment of the present invention, thedisplay apparatus for processing multiple applications and the methodfor controlling the same provide a user interface that varies dependingupon the application type.

Additionally, according to yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, the display apparatus for processing multiple applicationsand the method for controlling the same may include a plurality ofapplication editing guide on screen displays (OSDs) respective todiverse remote controller types. In addition, for example, the remotecontroller corresponds to a device configured to process RF signals, adevice configured to process IR signals, or a device configured toprocess both RF signals and IR signals.

Moreover, according an embodiment of the present invention, the displayapparatus for processing multiple applications and the method forcontrolling the same provide a solution enabling a usage history ofcontents (e.g., channels, items, etc.) receiving through at least one ormore paths to be easily managed.

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present invention, thedisplay apparatus for processing multiple applications and the methodfor controlling the same provide a technique for storing a plurality ofcontent groups, each corresponding to a different content group type, byusing two memory addresses for each content group.

Finally, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention,the display apparatus for processing multiple applications and themethod for controlling the same may include a user interface capable ofmore quickly accessing a content group recently used by the user.

Meanwhile, the method of operating the display apparatus according tothe present invention may be realized as a code that can be read by aprocessor provided in the image display device in a recording mediumthat can be read by a processor. The recording medium that can be readby the processor includes all types of recording devices storing datathat can be read by the processor. Examples of the recording media thatcan be read by a processor may include ROMs, RAMs, CD-ROMs, magnetictapes, floppy disks, optical data storing devices, and so on. Also, anexemplary recording medium being realized in the form of a carrier wave,such as a transmission via Internet, may also be included. Also, therecording medium that can be read by a processor may be scattered withina computer system, which is connected through a network. Also, a codethat can be read by the processor may be stored and executed by using adispersion (or scattering) method.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, itis intended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within an embodiment ofthe appended claims and their equivalents. It is also apparent that suchvariations of the present invention are not to be understoodindividually or separately from the technical scope or spirit of thepresent invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A television having an internet browsingfunction, the television comprising: a network interface configured toaccess at least one webpage on the Internet; a memory configured tostore at least one uniform resource locator (URL) of the accessed atleast one webpage; a user interface configured to receive at least onecommand from a remote controller; and a controller configured to controla display module to display a broadcast program in a first area, whereinthe broadcast program is received via the network interface, an externaldevice interface or a tuner, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to: control the display module to display graphic data forlisting at least one or more contents in a second area while displayingthe broadcast program in the first area, control the display module todisplay a screen of a last accessed webpage among the accessed at leastone webpage in the second area in response to a first command, whereinthe second area is within the first area, and control the networkinterface to access the last accessed webpage based on the URL stored inthe memory in response to a second command for selecting the screendisplayed in the second area, wherein the first and second commands allare received via the user interface from the remote controller.
 2. Thetelevision of claim 1, wherein the second area is located at a lowerportion of the display module.
 3. The television of claim 2, wherein thescreen displayed in the second area is overlaid with the broadcastprogram displayed in the first area.
 4. The television of claim 1,wherein the remote controller has at least one of a radio frequency (RF)module or an infrared (IR) module.
 5. The television of claim 1, whereinthe television corresponds to a smart television, a network TV, aninternet TV, a web TV or an IPTV.
 6. The television of claim 1, whereinthe memory is further configured to store information for recentlyaccessed applications, further the controller is further configured tocontrol the display module to display an icon or a name of one of therecently accessed applications.
 7. The television of claim 1, whereinthe memory is further configured to store image corresponding to theaccessed at least one webpage as well as the at least one URL of theaccessed at least one webpage, further the displayed screen of the lastaccessed webpage within the second area is generated based on the imagestored in the memory or generated by accessing the last accessed webpageagain.
 8. The television of claim 1, wherein a broadcast mode is changedinto an execution mode for the last accessed webpage in the first areain response to the second command for selecting the screen displayed inthe second area.
 9. A method of performing an internet browsing functionin a television, the method comprising: accessing, via a networkinterface of the television, at least one webpage on the Internet;storing at least one uniform resource locator (URL) of the accessed atleast one webpage in a memory; receiving, via a user interface of thetelevision, at least one command from a remote controller; displaying,via a display module of the television, a broadcast program in a firstarea, wherein the broadcast program is received via the networkinterface, an external device interface or a tuner; displaying, via thedisplay module, graphic data for listing at least one or more contentsin a second area while displaying the broadcast program in the firstarea; displaying, via the display module, a screen of the last accessedwebpage among the accessed at least one webpage in the second area inresponse to a first command, wherein the second area is within the firstarea; and accessing the last accessed webpage based on the URL stored inthe memory in response to a second command for selecting the screendisplayed in the second area, wherein the first and second commands allare received via the user interface from the remote controller.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the second area is located at a lower portionof a display module.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the screendisplayed in the second area is overlaid with the broadcast programdisplayed in the first area.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein theremote controller has at least one of a radio frequency (RF) module oran infrared (IR) module.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein thetelevision corresponds to a smart television, a network TV, an internetTV, a web TV or an IPTV.
 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising:storing information for recently accessed applications; and displaying,via the display module, an icon or a name of one of the recentlyaccessed applications.
 15. The method of claim 9, further comprising:storing image corresponding to the accessed at least one webpage,wherein the displayed screen of the last accessed webpage within thesecond area is generated based on the image stored in the memory orgenerated by accessing the last accessed webpage again.
 16. The methodof claim 9, further comprising: changing a broadcast mode into anexecution mode for the last accessed webpage in the first area inresponse to the second command for selecting the screen displayed in thesecond area.